Stop Clients From Taking Advantage of You When You're A Freelancer!!
While the majority of self-employed individuals will agree that the majority of their relationships with their clients tend to be neutral, if not positive, there are always bad eggs. Unfortunately, a lot of freelancers placate those bad eggs until they become a long-term, seemingly intractable problem. There are those who will take advantage to get more than they pay for, and you have to be careful to prevent it where possible, or stop it when it’s happening. Here’s how.
Contract, Contract, Contract
There is no better tool to make sure that you’re on the right track than a detailed contract. Client contracts should outline everything that’s expected, deliverables, timelines, revision limits, and communication expectations. You may occasionally feel inclined to be a little flexible with a long-term client who acts in good faith, but don’t let new clients try to add “one more thing” without making sure that a) it’s compensated for and b) included in the contract. Contracts protect you if a client tries to ghost you, withhold payment, or disagree with the work provided.
Invoices Keep You Right
A contract can make sure that your payment is agreed upon, but if you’re sick of dealing with late or absent payments, then you can do more to figuratively grease the wheels. With the help of an invoice template, you can easily itemize your work, the costs, and outline due payment dates. You should consider adding a late fee stipulation to incentivize clients to make sure that they’re not lax on paying. An invoice tracking system can help you see when payments are approaching their due date, as sometimes a reminder is enough to kick clients into gear.
Use Deposits And Milestones For Long-Term Project
The more time and energy you have to invest in a project, the more you should ensure money before completion. It’s your responsibility to protect your own finances as a freelancer. Some may balk at the idea of paying before they see any work, but a deposit is a guarantee that they don’t simply change their mind and disappear after you’ve started your work. Milestone payments can ensure trust on both sides and allow you to make sure that clients have to signal their approval on the work so far, so that they can’t suddenly request major revisions to undo all of your work down the line.
Set Your Boundaries
There are some clients who believe they can act like an employer since they pay you, dictating when and how they can reach you. Make certain that you don’t let that happen. When setting up a new client relationship, make clear your boundaries around your availability, including your working hours, preferred communication channels, and response times. If you don’t work on Sunday, then your client shouldn’t expect a response when they email on a Sunday.
As a freelancer, you have to have your own back. If you don’t put the policies and practices in place to ensure that both you and your clients are held accountable, some untenable work practices can start to develop.